Lagos Residents, Motorists Battle With Pains Of Fuel Scarcity

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News From The State Thursday, April 30th, 2015

By Tajudeen Balogun and Niyi Adeyi – Lagos – Fuel scarcity has hit harder in most cities across the country, prompting long queue at the few filling stations that sell, while the fuel racketeers are having field days.

The situation which has been on for some months with serious effects on the socio-economic activities in the country, is linked to various factors, including strike by the fuel marketers and members of the NURTW, all of which had affected lifting of stock at the fuel loading farms.

Most members of the NUPENG at the Apapa loading farm in Lagos State, complained bitterly that they have not been able to load since their arrival some days ago. Some of the drivers lamented that they had run out of money to feed themselves, as they have been forced to stay more days than they planned for.

In Lagos, the motorists and commuters have since Monday been living under the excruciating pains of the scarcity.

Many workers have since either abandoned their vehicles at home, in the office or at the filling stations for some days as there is no fuel to put them on the roads.

Since yesterday (Wednesday), transport fares has been increased with about 50 per cent as the commercial bus drivers, okada riders as well as tricycle operators complained going through many stress before they could fuel at exorbitant prices.

For instance, tricycle transport fare from Ojokoro in Ifako Ijaiye Local Council to Fagba which normal fare is N100 has been hiked to N150; Commercial buses from Fagba to Agege or Ogba which normal charges are N50 to N70 has also been increased to around N100.

Transport fare from Abule Egba to Oshodi which used to be N150 has been increased to between N200 and N250 as well as from Agege to Ikeja which goes for N100 is now N150.

The scarcity caused long traffic on the roads, within the Lagos metropolis, especially at the few filling stations selling fuel, while some commuters have to wait for some hours before getting vehicles to their destinations.

Some workers also resorted to long trek either as non-availability of vehicles or inability to afford the hike transport fares.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Dr. Mrs Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, told newsmen Wednesday that the Federal Government has paid the markers all their outstanding, saying the only pending, estimated at N100 billion would be paid today – Thursday.